Dear Editor,
I am still mystified by the anti-RCMP attitude of our Richmond mayor and some councillors and their intent to pursue a regional police force.
It seems to me that there is an unwritten agenda here, which is essentially a power-grab of services which are not — and should not be — under the control of local politicians.
The results of the recent extensive survey are clear — the majority of Richmond citizens are in favour of keeping the RCMP. Therefore, the conclusion from the survey that “ultimately, many residents and stakeholders agree that the creation of a local, independent police force seems like a good idea ….” is not factually correct. Looking through the survey report, the following points are also significant:
1) Many respondents felt the survey was biased in favour of a local police force.
2) It was not clear why the review process was taking place.
3) There was no mention in the survey of a regional local police force as an option? In fact, at one of the open houses, it was stated the regional police force idea has already been turned down by other cities!
Given that city council is evidently at odds with the wishes of the majority of its constituency, perhaps it is time for councillors to reconsider their future on council.
Michael Paice
Richmond
